Summary of Sermon: The Ministry of Reconciliation

Anger, bitterness, quarrels, strife, misunderstandings, conflicts and retaliation are all things that stand in the way of forgiving others.

God wants humble spirits, pure hearts and a clear conscience of the people who seek Him.

We must rid ourselves of all things that keep us from offering our gifts freely and purely to God.

Only gifts that are offered with a sincere heart and contrite spirit are the gifts with which God is most pleased.

Just as Jesus goes to the Father to plead our case and dimidate forgiveness for us, we should have the same relationship with our Brothers and Sisters.

As God forgives us, we are also called to forgive others.

We are reconciled when we acknowledge our wrongs and accept confession and provide forgiveness for those who have wronged us.

We are reconciled when we admit our mistakes, confess our sins and also when we do not try to hide in the shadows or blame and sin of others.

The Lord's Prayer reminds us to Forgive us of our sins AS we forgive others who have sinned against us . . .

Anger stands in the way of our salvation, our wholeness, our feelings of completeness and joy.

Unresolved anger is the source of many of our ills, woes, and afflictions we experience.

We must learn how to:

• Stand up in the spirit of God.
• Stand up in the spirit of truth.
• Stand up in the love of God.
• Stand up in the power of God and do something to help someone else.

Biblical References

Mark 3:1–6 (How to Deal with Anger)

II Corinthians 5:16–21 (The Ministry of Reconciliation)

Matthew 6:9 (Lord's Prayer)

Matthew 5:23–24 (Recognizing wrongdoers)

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